Apple Reportedly Planning to Release Most Affordable 9.7-inch iPad Ever in Late 2018

[sinsin07]

I am guessing they probably use the browser and little else, or one, maybe two games. Unless its testing a tablet to check durability kids are not too picky over what they use.

I would still love to see what the result would be.

 

[Falhófnir]

expect 8 GB storage

There usually is a catch like this; apple giveth, apple taketh away...

 

[jimbobb24]

They are just going to re-release the original Air for even cheaper!

 

[nickbatz]

Suggestion: in the interests of dignity and good journalism practice, don't cut and paste BS marketing copy - "even lower." I've seen it on a couple of sites, and it's really unattractive.

 

[Mike MA]

Looking forward to get the most affordable iPad Pro in 2018. Thx.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

Poor, poor souls

With Apple's great current record on software QC and development.... God help them.

Microsoft has to develop for literally thousands if not millions of hardware combinations.

Apple has to develop for a set of tightly defined and controlled hardware devices.... yet still cocks it up.

You say that, and it USED to be a ready-made argument for Microsofties regarding Windows' horrible, well, EVERYTHING; but when Microsoft tries to play Apple's Game with the Surface Line, where they control the "experience" end-to-end, they don't exactly have a stellar record, do they?

https://games.slashdot.org/story/17...ok-2-cant-stay-charged-during-gaming-sessions

https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/14/16142490/microsoft-surface-consumer-reports-memo-return-rates

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/05/27/sleep_of_death_windows_10/

https://www.express.co.uk/life-styl...eators-update-download-Surface-Book-Microsoft

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...-reports-hardware-freezing-shutdowns-problems

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/surface-pro-4-16-common-problems-solutions/3/

https://www.computerworld.com/artic...blem-its-more-than-hardware-and-software.html

https://www.express.co.uk/life-styl...roblems-random-shutdowns-Windows-10-Microsoft

https://www.windowscentral.com/does-your-surface-pro-have-light-bleed-problems

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...g/570165cb-50a0-4d71-bcb1-310ddd869d1d?auth=1

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/1411061-surface-pro-4-external-monitor-issues

https://www.drivethelife.com/windows-drivers/microsoft-surface-pro-4-touch-screen-not-working.html

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...oubleshoot-power-problems-with-surface-studio

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4023506/surface-trouble-installing-surface-updates

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...ndows-10/5bffca79-043b-4751-a294-88625cda1cf2

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows/d27cd7dc-5ffb-4def-8d4e-8806b2823659

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...ace-problems-using-surface-diagnostic-toolkit

http://www.techradar.com/news/windo...pdate-causing-serious-issues-with-surface-pen

http://www.zdnet.com/article/window...from-iphoneandroid-bricked-surface-pro-3-fix/

https://www.lovemysurface.net/not-to-upgrade-your-surface-to-windows-10/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordon...ndows-10-chrome-browser-problem/#6c2775704b80


And that's from about 10 minutes of Googling.

I apologize in advance if there are a few duplicates in there. I tried to weed them out as I went along.

But you get the picture...
[doublepost=1512162952][/doublepost]

The young will know Android and iOS. And in many parts of the world, they will only know Android simply because of the prohibitive costs of Apple devices.

Amazon sold the 64 Gig version of the new Fire HD 10 for 140 Euros last week; that's around one third of an iPad and this thing does everything --I-- need it for. It's hard to justify an Apple gadget when such competition is around.

Then why TROLL on an Apple-fan site?
[doublepost=1512163562][/doublepost]

Apple first need to fix iOS that's still more an OS designed for iPod with limitations. Was gifted the new 2017 Amazon Fire HD 10 which were selling for as low as $85 on Black Friday and not only is the hardware excellent with high end ARM A72 SoC but the Android OS is Linux based and doesn't have the limitations of iOS. I can manage all my Raspberry Pis and IoT devices via SSH and leave the app running in the background without it dying after 3 minutes like on iOS. Until iOS is fixed my iPads will continue to collect dust.

If you have an iPad dying running a background App after 3 minutes, something is RADICALLY wrong.

And if you think you can't use SSH on iOS, you haven't spent even 1 second looking:

https://www.techrepublic.com/articl...ts-for-ios-go-head-to-head-prompt-vs-cathode/

 

[satchmo]

Minus about $25 or more in eBay and PayPal fees and shipping the old Ipad, also with tax the other iPad is closer to $270... so you probably paid around $160 for the new iPad which is still a good deal but not quite as good as you were making it sound... how do I know? Because I did the same thing as you did LOL

Don't you have to factor in the original cost of your iPad Air?

Your total cost to own the 2017 iPad is not simply $160.

Why do I ask? Because I'm thinking of doing the same.

 

[pdaholic]

Just disappointing there's no movement in the iPad Mini line. The thing was sold out almost immediately during this past Black Friday, so I tend to believe there's still a lot of interest in the device.

Would love to use one compatible with the Apple Pencil.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Probably the current 9.7 ipad pro with no face id.

 

[Falhófnir]

Just disappointing there's no movement in the iPad Mini line. The thing was sold out almost immediately during this past Black Friday, so I tend to believe there's still a lot of interest in the device.

Would love to use one compatible with the Apple Pencil.

If anything I’d expect them to go back to the mini 3 casing with maybe an a10 chip to offer as a smaller sized basic iPad alongside the 9.7 - just can’t see a mini pro happening.

 

[FelixDerKater]

$299 is more in line with their usual.

 

[jdillings]

The tablet market is now stalled and will soon be in decline. Apple recognizes this and this is why it is chasing the bottom end of the market with these cheap, crippled iPads.

 

[Cloudkicker]

I'm glad Apple have figured out that they'll make more money if they price some things lower through sheer volume, I bet they were blown away by the cheap iPad sales.

lmfao Not burning you specifically (sincerely), but a pretty sizeable group of Apple diehards in particular. "Flooding the market w/ cheap models" is how they counter large Android phone sales numbers. Or MacOS perpetually being in single digits 3 decades later.
Yet, when Apple does it? Dot dot dot.

It'd be nice if Apple listens. A bare specs 15" MacBook Pro costing $3000 Canadian, I'd love, love to have it for even $1500 (CDN).

 

[iLLUMI]

Any chance we will see a new iPad mini next year?

I would be extremely happy if they released an all screen iPad mini, similar to iPhone X.
Even if it costs say US $600+ I'll get one. I use my Mini every day and numerous times during the day. It goes everywhere with me.
I hardly ever use my 9.7" iPad ... well I don't actually use it at all.
But either way, even if it just becomes a "7.9 inch iPad Pro" I would be happy.

 

[6803390]

It’s also going to hook people in young. Th iPhone SE is priced reasonably as a gift for your 14 year old. A £250 iPad (before discount - I picked up a £270 iPad this weekend) is reasonable for a children’s iPad around the house, rather than the old iPad 2 or mini that they’re using.

The young will know nothing but iOS.

The young will know Android and iOS. And in many parts of the world, they will only know Android simply because of the prohibitive costs of Apple devices.

Amazon sold the 64 Gig version of the new Fire HD 10 for 140 Euros last week; that's around one third of an iPad and this thing does everything --I-- need it for. It's hard to justify an Apple gadget when such competition is around.

Agree with you both, as I mainly use iOS myself, but not 100% happy with it. Once upon time I was a windows user (XP was the last OS - still believe it’s the best windows OS) before I switched to Mac in 2007, as I was a heavy user, I did not find any issue apart from finding alternate apps (at that time it was not easy but now there are plenty of apps for Mac), which took time, but was happy nonetheless.

Now, I mainly use iOS (as a light user, my needs have changed overtime) 90% of time but forced to use Mac, as iOS is not a desktop replacement, which I find a bit annoying. Apple will have to add more features in iOS 12 such as better files app to: 1- able to access usbs, 2- encrypted dmg files, 3- iTunes backup feature instead of iCloud, better files app within the device and cloud - viewing without having to download, ability to use mouse, create custom tones without the need of a desktop, etc... more desktop features that can allow developers to make those apps we want on iOS. I can’t stress enough about the files app - a lot of work is needed.

What I am trying to say is that technology is the future, and if the user want to learn to code etc, then I don’t see iOS as the best option. Lastly, I have to switch between iOS and Mac, so probably the same applies to the user, which means that you will most likely purchase both the iPad, and a desktop/laptop to ensure that the work/task can be completed, so you will be spending more than £250.

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 2nd gen and do enjoy using it more than my MacBook Air.

 

[Cmdrx3]

Yeah whatever.... remember the cheap (or budget as it was called) iPhone 5C. So when it's on the shelf I'll believe it.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Yeah whatever.... remember the cheap (or budget as it was called) iPhone 5C. So when it's on the shelf I'll believe it.

Apple never called the 5c cheap or budget. That was just made up rumors, wishful thinking I guess you could call it. It was a little less expensive but not by much.

 

[ksec]

I am not sure on the consumer side, but there are huge demand for iPad in Education, and business. For Education those are very price sensitive and Apple is already working on that before Chromebook takes over.

For business there are sectors that only needs a tablet for Presentation, and simple Input. For Example Restaurant Menu and Ordering ( extremely popular in China ), using Tablet as POS, In Flight Entertainment System. All These are 100s million unit market, which Apple so far has failed to capture.

You could have an even smaller thinner battery, special made SoC that integrate Apple W3 and all other parts making it extremely low cost. May be it doesn't even have touch ID.

But all these are very Un-Apple. The most likely hood is Apple simply reduce their current iPad price.

 

[JosephAW]

I'm still waiting for the Apple Watch Air. A non-health non-LTE version version of the watch used for notifications, messaging and Bluetooth phone and music functionality with larger battery in place of the sensors for $99

 

[Mainsail]

I'm still waiting for the Apple Watch Air. A non-health non-LTE version version of the watch used for notifications, messaging and Bluetooth phone and music functionality with larger battery in place of the sensors for $99

I am with you on this one. Simple $99 Apple Watch to compete with Fitbit trackers:

• Date, Time, Alarm, StopWatch
• Steps/Distance (no gps)
• Notifications with standard quick replies (yes, no, thanks, sounds good, can't talk now, etc.)
• Waterproof

This would round out the consumer entry level portfolio;

• MacBook Air: $1,000 on sale $800 or an Updated Mac Mini: $500 - $700 (depending on configuration)
• iPad: $329, on sale $250
• iPhone SE: $350, on sale $100-$200 (depending on contract)
• Apple Watch: $99, today the closest thing in the Apple lineup is the Series 1, which you can get for as low as $200 on sale

Actually, Apple is pretty close to having this kind of consumer/entry-level line-up in place. The iPad and iPhone SE are the bright spots in this segment. The Mac needs attention. The price point is ok, but both the MBA and the Mac Mini are way overdue for updates.

 

[ipponrg]

I am with you on this one. Simple $99 Apple Watch to compete with Fitbit trackers:

• Date, Time, Alarm, StopWatch
• Steps/Distance (no gps)
• Notifications with standard quick replies (yes, no, thanks, sounds good, can't talk now, etc.)
• Waterproof

I would like this as well. I don't think Apple will want to do this though as this will tarnish their product goals. They are not known to be pragmatic in addressing general problems

 

[gorskiegangsta]

If Apple releases anything resembling the current $330 iPad for $260, they will absolutely murder the mid-tier tablet market.

For myself, all they have to do is add laminated display to it and slash the price by at least $30.

 

[Zarniwoop]

I know many would appreciate a refreshed iPad mini, but I think the reality is is that larger iPhones has ultimately replaced the iPad mini due to how they have grown exponentially in size.

That's what Apple seems to be thinking. But iPad's' 4:3 screen is just too perfect for book & other reading. Apple can keep their shoe horn iPhones, I want Mini 5 (or Mini Pro).

8,2" Mini Pro with OLED display (with 10.5" resolution) and Apple pen support would be nice. And a cheap iPad Mini with iPad mini 3 form factor + iPhone SE/iPad 2017 hardware could be the second option.

$249 iPad Mini 7,9" A9 2018
$599 iPad Mini Pro 8,2" A11 2018

 

[ValO]

Just give us an ipad with a smart keyboard with a trackpad for limited useability for text intensive apps.
The cursor is already there in IOS , when you hardpress the onscreen keyboard, so it can’ t be that hard.

 

[kazmac]

If make a Pencil compatible mini, I would give my mom this iPad Pro 12.9 2nd gen to replace her iPad 2. The mini remains my favorite iPad, so I would be glad to use a Mini with the Pencil. That way, I would feel much better about buying this Pro. I used the Mini 4 daily, I use this iPP 3x a week max, if at all.

As far as price points give us something with more current specs (not the latest) for a reasonable price and that would be nice. If they add more to the lower end they will gain more users who may trade up as needs, funds allow.